CORAL GABLES, Fla. — Miami quarterback Jacory Harris is publicly apologizing for his role in an extra-benefits scandal that kept him off the field for the first game of his senior season with the Hurricanes.

Harris spoke out for the first time Friday since the NCAA ruled that he and seven other players needed to miss at least one game for taking benefits from a former booster. Harris apologized to the university, including president Donna Shalala, as well as the fans "for something that happened our freshman year."

Harris added, "we were all young, but still no excuse for what happened."

The NCAA found Harris accepted meals, entertainment, transportation and nightclub cover charges, all worth around $140. He will start Miami's next game against Ohio State on Sept. 17.